The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed a full investigation into the tragic boat mishap in Kogi State that led to the loss of 160 lives.
In a statement released by the Force Spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the government and people of Kogi State, especially to the families affected by the tragedy.
The boat mishap occurred on Friday along the Dambo-Ebuchi waterways of the River Niger, in Kupa Local Government Area of Kogi State. Reports indicate that over 160 passengers were aboard the boat, with only 24 rescued. The fate of the remaining passengers remains unclear, and efforts are underway to locate them.
“I want to assure the people of Kogi State and Nigerians that we are committed to finding out what caused this tragedy,” said IGP Egbetokun. “We will work closely with all relevant agencies to ensure a swift investigation and to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
The tragic incident has highlighted serious concerns about safety on Nigeria’s waterways, which continue to be a significant mode of transport in many parts of the country. The IGP emphasized that the police force is taking immediate steps to address these concerns by intensifying safety measures for passengers and operators alike.
In the wake of the boat mishap, the IGP has instructed the Force Marine Officer to lead a thorough investigation. The goal is to identify the factors that contributed to the tragedy and develop actionable strategies to prevent future mishaps on the nation’s waterways.
“The investigation will provide vital insights into improving safety and emergency response systems for water transport across Nigeria,” stated Adejobi, quoting the IGP’s directive. “We will look into all aspects, from the safety protocols of boat operators to the state of the waterways, and ensure that justice is done for the victims and their families.”
The IGP’s directive also calls on waterway operators, boat owners, and all other stakeholders to collaborate with the Force Marine Department. The aim is to enforce stringent safety measures that can protect both passengers and operators from similar dangers.
“Water transport remains an essential means of travel for many Nigerians,” IGP Egbetokun said. “However, safety must always come first. It is imperative that all parties involved take responsibility and work together to safeguard lives on our waterways.”
The Nigeria Police Force has already mobilized resources and activated operational strategies to assist in the search and rescue operation. “We are committed to ensuring that missing passengers are located as quickly as possible. Resources have been deployed to intensify the search efforts,” Adejobi confirmed.
The police have also assured the public that the investigation into the mishap will be thorough, and that all possible causes will be examined. This includes looking into the safety standards of the boat, the competence of the crew, and whether any external factors contributed to the tragedy.
In addition to the immediate rescue and investigative efforts, the IGP stressed the importance of improving the broader safety and regulatory systems for water transport in Nigeria. “This incident underscores the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the safety protocols in our waterways. We must ensure that similar tragedies are prevented moving forward,” Egbetokun emphasized.
The boat mishap in Kogi State has drawn widespread condemnation and concern from across Nigeria. Many citizens have called for more stringent enforcement of safety measures, especially for boats operating in dangerous or poorly regulated areas. The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about the lack of adequate safety regulations and infrastructure on Nigerian waterways.
As the investigation continues, the IGP has reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to improving safety on waterways and ensuring justice for the victims. “We will ensure that all measures are taken to protect Nigerians using our waterways,” Egbetokun vowed.
The Kogi boat disaster serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing water transport in Nigeria, and it underscores the urgent need for stronger safety protocols, more effective oversight, and better emergency response systems. The government, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, must take concrete steps to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
“We owe it to the victims and their families to ensure that their deaths are not in vain,” the IGP concluded. “We will work relentlessly to enhance safety measures and ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.”
